The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) received nearly 50 percent of all votes cast and won a supermajority in the Jatiya Sangsad (JS). What contributed to the party’s success and how did this result compare with expectations heading into the election?
When people think their political system violates the moral rules they live by, they lose faith in their leaders and democracy itself. Some withdraw from politics. Others turn to anyone who promises
A democracy is not secured by a single election. It is secured when no party fears extinction for losing one. This is the other half of democracy. And it is the part Bangladesh has been denied for far too long.
If successful, Bangladesh could inspire beleaguered democrats across Asia and beyond. If not, it risks validating the resilience of hybrid regimes that mimic elections while stifling competition.
Bangladesh needs independent, credible surveys that illuminate rather than obscure public opinion.